Mr. Rogers, theologian? Film at First Congregational Church in Ridgefield on Friday

Mr. Rogers, theologian? Film at First Congregational Church, 103 Main Street, Ridgefield, this Friday, November 15 at 7 pm

“With cynicism running like a toxic streak through mainstream media, a documentary on sweet, soothing TV host Fred Rogers may strike you as hopelessly naïve – or just the pep talk we need. 

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?  traces how this ordained minister – one with a need to help children make sense of the world – managed to carve out a place on television over 1,765 episodes from 1968 to 2001. Rogers was a tireless a youth advocate who quit the seminary to become an evangelist through the medium of television.

This portrait, from Oscar-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville isn’t out to canonize the TV icon or to bury him. A political conservative, Rogers didn’t like rocking the boat. But his first commandment of kid-friendly show business was always telling it like it is. Whether the topic was the death of a pet or the assassination of Bobby Kennedy, the host felt patience and understanding could go a long way toward helping his young audience understand tricky issues. 

His show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, was pokey enough to draw derisive laughter from skeptics who couldn’t endure the slowpoke way he opened every show: smiling, changing into comfy shoes and a cardigan and addressing his audience with a song. “So, let’s make the most of this beautiful day/Since we’re together we might as well say/Would you be mine?/Could you be mine?/Won’t you be my neighbor?” 

If YOU would like a big bowl of kindness, compassion, mercy and hope – join us on Friday for our film!

Yes – it IS a beautiful day in the neighborhood… in Fred Rogers’ neighborhood!

Additional information? Rev. Karen Halac, Associate Minister, First Congregational Church. 203-438-8077